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IPS vs LED | Which One Is Better For Your Needs?

With their vibrant colors and relatively constant picture appearance from multiple angles, IPS displays are suitable if your focus is on accuracy. When you can't afford the pricey nature of these monitors, LEDs present a budget solution. 

Not only do you spend less when shopping for LED displays, but you also spend less in terms of power uptake. Thanks to their less demanding operation, you also don't have to worry about overheating issues.

But which of these monitor panel types best describe your next monitor? Dive in for expert advice!

Key Takeaways

  • The advantages of utilizing LED TVs are their low energy consumption, durable backlights, and vivid images.
  • More image accuracy and improved color reproduction in narrow viewing angles are features of IPS panels.
  • In summary, while IPS screens have the advantage of superior picture quality, LED screens are less expensive.
  • IPS gaming monitors provide a number of advantages over other technologies, such as TN and VA panels, including superior image colors, despite the fact that LED panels are ideal for competitive gaming.

Is IPS Better Than LED?

The benefits of using LED TVs are minimal energy consumption, a long-lasting backlight with pictures being bright. IPS displays offer more image accuracy and have better color reproduction in small viewing angles. In short, when it comes to LED vs IPS, former are cheaper, though the advantage of an IPS screen is better picture quality. Having said that, Samsung's Quantum Dot technology could boast of dramatically enhanced color compared to IPS panels.

Before we look at the detailed comparisons of these LED and IPS panel technologies, which of the two is better for gamers? 

Are IPS Monitors or LED Monitors Better for Gaming?

Although LED panels are excellent in competitive gaming, IPS gaming monitors have various tricks, like better image colors than other technologies, including TN and VA panels (see VA panel vs IPS). If you want to play while getting the most accurate color depiction, choose IPS and make sure to go over our review of the best 32-inch gaming monitors, including this affordable Dell gaming monitor.

What's more, In-Plane Switching monitors maintain color consistency even when looking at them from extreme angles. If you prefer playing multiplayer games with your friends, the maintained picture precision across an extensive sitting arrangement is essential. Apart from picture, sound is also crucial to gamers, as monitors with speakers gain more and more popularity.

And if you don't want to break the bank, these cheap G-Sync monitors are decent alternatives.

professional gamer

IPS vs. LED Monitors – What Are the Differences?

LED and IPS monitors (see also QLED) have excellent attributes with disadvantages as well. Before looking at the differences of screens featuring the two technologies, here is a look at the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technologies and also a LED vs LCD comparison.

IPS Monitors

IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, and its screens have better image quality than Vertical Alignment and Twisted Nematic panel types.

The graphics on IPS displays are typically detailed and vibrant due to color accuracy.

LED Monitors

LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a type of backlight technology in which the pixels light up. Many people confuse the difference between LED  and LCD displays.

An LED monitor is a type of LCD monitor, and while both utilize liquid crystals for picture formation, the difference lies in LEDs featuring a backlight.

Notably, some IPS displays incorporate LED technology. Some reasons why some brands produce IPS displays infused with LEDs are the resultant sleekness and compactness.

The benefit of using LED panel technology is how bright the LED displays are while still maintaining an efficient energy consumption lower than other screen technologies.

Moreover, numerous low-end LED monitors are available with multiple features, more reliability, and a more dynamic contrast ratio.

The Comparisons

Now that you know what LED and IPS are, how do the two compare?

Image Quality

An IPS display provides a much better image than most LED displays because of the clarity and crispness, irrespective of your sitting position.

On the other hand, an LED monitor shows less reliability and accuracy in color contrast. You also get a limited viewing angle meaning that you'll only get the best quality when sitting directly in front of the display.

Response Times

Monitor response times refer to the durations screens take to adjust from one color to the next. Response time differences are more conspicuous when playing fast-paced titles like CS: GO, Fortnite, and Battleground.

Previously, IPS monitors received much criticism for their slow response time. However, recent IPS panels have remarkably improved performance.

Nevertheless, IPS monitor marketing doesn't focus on users demanding fast response time.

If you need LCD monitors with a quick response time, consider an LED display panel using either VA or TN technology. Such an LCD screen typically offers a 1ms response time. However, remember that these monitors tend to have smaller viewing angles and inferior image quality than an IPS monitor. Regardless, you can still get a considerably good performance when planning quick-action games provided you sit directly in front of the screen. In that case, vertical monitors may prove a viable option.

Display

LED and IPS monitors vary immensely in hue and brightness. IPS provides wide viewing angles without the changing of your screen's color.

On the other hand, LED monitors to focus on the brightness of the visuals. For this reason, you'll notice a difference in the screen's coloration based on your sitting position. Viewing LED monitors at particular angles may result in the appearance of washed-out displays.

Compatibility

In-Plane Switching screens and LED monitors, while different, incorporate other display panels to cater to their disadvantages.

Below are some combinations of these two technologies:

  • LCD monitors incorporating IPS panels and LED backlight
  • LED-backlit with IPS panel or TN panel features
  • IPS display featuring LCD or LED backlight technology

Power Consumption

Another big difference between IPS displays and LED monitors lies in the energy uptake. An IPS monitor provides better visual quality than an LED monitor, leading to more power consumption to maintain excellent on-screen performance.

Although LED monitors provide brighter screens, their power consumption is much less than IPS panel technology. That explains why they are a favorite Liquid Crystals Display technology amongst those looking for affordable electronics.

Heat

Because IPS monitors take up much power, they release more heat than their LED alternatives. Despite LED display monitors providing bright pictures, they produce relatively less heat than monitors with IPS display technology.

Price

The cost of a monitor using IPS screen technology is approximately $100 or more, depending on whether the panel infuses other technologies like a TN panel or another type of LCD.

Notably, mid-range IPS monitors usually go for more than high-end LED monitors. When it comes to LED monitor prices, you can get an excellent monitor under $200, $100 and even $50, depending on your model and the included attributes.

two screens to watch

Which Monitor Should I Buy?

While both offer superb monitor selections, the differences between IPS and LEDs make one a better option for you than the other. Apart from these two, there are other display types to choose from so it can be hard to decide which suits you best. Nonetheless, here are vital questions to answer before deciding.

What Use Will Your Monitor Serve?

When picking a monitor, it is essential to get one that aligns with your application. If you want a monitor for creative visual applications, go for an IPS monitor. This LCD panel allows you to sit at more diverse angles, get elaborate graphics, and features color accuracy.

If you want gaming monitors for fast-paced shooting games, LED monitors might be the ideal option to consider. Ideally, the type of LED monitor you pick should feature a TN panel to cater to the limited viewing angle and lower display quality. Other excellent options to consider are Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED monitors), given their improved display quality over pure LED monitors.

What Do You Prioritize: Pictures or Functionality?

Another critical consideration as you decide between IPS displays and LED monitors whether you prefer performance or visuals.

As noted, IPS monitors provide impeccable visual quality. Unfortunately, you'll have to put up with the increased energy consumption. Sometimes, an IPS monitor may get quite hot, leading to a concern in the unit's longevity. That explains why various individuals consider IPS displays unreliable and not as good in terms of performance as LED monitors.

While you won't have the impressive visual and color accuracy of a high-quality IPS display, LED monitors to suffer less from overheating issues. Many consider LED monitor performance as dependable and consistent.

How Much Will You Spend on a Panel?

When purchasing monitors, it's wise to work with a realistic price range depending on the attributes expected. The more specs and panel combinations, the steeper the cost, irrespective of whether they are LED or IPS monitors. For example, monitors that include other Liquid Crystal Display panel types like VA and TN are typically pricier than pure IPS panels.

If you want value for your bucks' worth, consider getting LED monitors. Besides the availability of numerous LED monitors at budget prices like this S2318HN monitor by Dell, you are likely to have more attribute compatibility with them than with IPS technology.

man with two screens

Is IPS Better for Your Eyes?

Yes, they are less likely to cause eye strain than LEDs. With them, you get decent color representation and excellent contrast ratios. For these reasons, they minimize the effort your eyes take to decipher things. Some of these IPS panels operate even at a refresh rate of 280Hz to reduce input lag and combat unpleasant screen effects like tearing that may lead to straining - click here for the best monitors for eye strain.

Conclusion: IPS vs. LED Monitors- Which is Better

Both IPS and LEDs have critical upsides that might be key to your application. Irrespective of the technology you prefer, the trick is identifying which coincides best with what you envision for your monitor.

Now that you have the dissimilarities between IPS and LED, which monitors suit your needs?

In sum, IPS monitors are fantastic if you have a more flexible budget and you prefer intensive viewing angles with impressive color reproduction and image accuracy. Something to remember is the increased overheating potential because of the relatively higher power consumption.

An LED monitor might be your go-to alternative if you want to spend less. Besides, you can pick from multiple options featuring LCD and TN panels to circumvent some shortcomings synonymous with LED displays. What's more, their performance is more reliable.

Good luck with your pick!

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.

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